Update on Public Realm work impact

Ninety-five per cent of traders affected to-date by the town centre Public Realm scheme “recognise the importance of the work”, councillors have been told.

An officer report to last week’s Mid & East Antrim Council’s Economic Growth & Development Committee stated that most of the 12 businesses impacted on Church Street and Wellington Street “while not happy are content that the works are necessary and are happy the contractor has been in regular contact along with council staff”.

It was recommended to the committee that signage be prepared and installed on barriers stating “business as usual”, that a PR campaign be created to counteract “negativity that is coming through the press”.

It was also recommended that Council continue to liaise with businesses and customers and, in particular, that the Senior Responsible Officer appointed by Council continue to meet with traders documenting any issues that arise and resolving them “where possible”.

Cllr Timothy Gaston proposed the recommendations as outlined, with the additional recommendation to set up a further meeting with traders, in order to iron out any issues. This was seconded by Cllr William McCaughey and agreed.